Thursday, April 27, 2017

A close look at what it means to be hyperlexic and one possible trait that is missing from the list of hyperlexia signs.

When I first starting writing about hyperlexia, I was hesitant to explain what hyperlexia was because, to be honest, I wasn't sure I completely understood what it was. Yet, as soon as I looked up hyperlexia, I knew, without a doubt, that that is what my son has.

Yet, after reading various articles about hyperlexia and its signs, I've come to the conclusion that there is one thing missing from that list. And every so often, a discussion about this missing trait crops up in the hyperlexia parents Facebook group. And every time, hundreds of parents respond with an enthusiastic yes about it.

Now obviously this is a highly scientific research study I'm conducting here, right?

Right...

However, this trait does seem to be particularly common amongst hyperlexic children so I'm going to tell you all about it!

Missing Trait of Hyperlexia?

Obviously, hyperlexic children spend countless hours reading, writing, spelling, and playing with letters, but if you watch them closely, then you will spot them doing some air writing. They'll gracefully glide their fingers through the air as if conducting some grand symphony, scribbling out words or math problems or maybe some country's name.

I can fondly recall many times watching in awe as J would scribble his thoughts in the air or on his leg. Sometimes I would catch him off guard by saying what he wrote and he would instantly light up.

Other times, I would have difficulty deciphering his air messages and ask him about what he was writing. Sometimes he would tell me. And other times, he would quickly air erase his message, giggle, and say, "Oh nothing."

It appears J is not alone in this air writing. Like I said, this topic comes up regularly in the support groups and judging by the responses, many parents, like myself, think this air writing is a trait missing from the list of hyperlexia signs.

So I'm going to go ahead and just add it to the list of signs. Yep, I'm going to unofficially add "writing words in the air with fingers" to the list of hyperlexia traits.

Consider it done.

I can do that, right?

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About the Author

Married to her high school sweetheart, Dyan is a Canadian stay-at-home mom to two boys, J and K. She is also a part-time piano teacher. She likes board games, video games, Instant Pots, and reading. To stay connected, subscribe to the weekly newsletter to get a copy of the free Weekly Autism Planner and follow along on social media.